THE HIDDEN TOOLS OF COMEDY

$26.95

THE HIDDEN TOOLS OF COMEDY

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Comedy!

While other books give you tips on how to “write funny,” The Hidden Tools of Comedy offers a paradigm shift in understanding the mechanics and art of comedy itself, and the proven, practical tools that help writers translate that understanding into successful, commercial scripts. Steve Kaplan unlocks the unique secrets and techniques of writing comedy, deconstructing sequences in popular films and television to show when comedy works, when it doesn’t, and why.

Description

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Comedy!

While other books give you tips on how to “write funny,” The Hidden Tools of Comedy offers a paradigm shift in understanding the mechanics and art of comedy itself, and the proven, practical tools that help writers translate that understanding into successful, commercial scripts. Steve Kaplan unlocks the unique secrets and techniques of writing comedy, deconstructing sequences in popular films and television to show when comedy works, when it doesn’t, and why.

Additional information

Weight

17 oz

Reviews

Peter Tolan –May 26, 2014

“I’ve always been told – and have told others – funny can’t be taught. After reading Steve Kaplan’s thoughtful, informative and yes, funny book – I stand corrected. A great read for anyone wanting to break into the comedy game. And for those already in the game, a breezy, welcome jolt of education and inspiration.”
— Peter Tolan, The Larry Sanders Show, Rescue Me, Analyze This

David Crane –November 12, 2014

I rarely think about why something I’m working on is funny. I’m usually just fixated on the fact that it’s not funny enough. So it was interesting to look at it from such a thoughtful perspective. I started reading the book expecting to be merely amused, but what I found was a rigorous deconstruction of what makes comedy. Steve takes this ephemeral topic and reduces it to tangible terms that are both practical and illuminating. Oh, and it’s funny. Which is useful when you’re talking about comedy.
— David Crane, Creator and Executive Producer: Friends, Episodes

Chad Gervich –November 12, 2014

Everything you need to be a comedy writer except the searing self-doubt, crippling anxiety, and suffocating social awkwardness.
— Chad Gervich, writer/producer: Dog With a Blog, After Lately, Cupcake Wars; author: Small Screen, Big Picture

Will Scheffer –November 12, 2014

Steve Kaplan has discovered, refined, and sustained more stand-up, playwriting, TV and film writing careers — and without any of the credit he deserves. There simply is no God if he doesn’t receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor himself. God, are you listening? Oh well. Steve: Thank you for discovering me and being responsible for launching my career. Everyone else: BUY THIS BOOK.
— Will Scheffer, Co-Creator and Executive Producer: Big Love and Getting On